Judging by the attendance at the February 17, 2016 Board of Supervisors Meeting, as well as social media activity, there is a great deal of interest in the pending application of Carlino Land Development to construct a Giant grocery store in East Brandywine Township.
The Board of Supervisors wants you to know that your opinions and concerns are important. Many who attend the meeting February 17th were disappointed they did not get the opportunity to address the Board of Supervisors. We thought it appropriate to explain the process so residents would understand when they will have the opportunity to be heard.
Even though the current application before the Board of Supervisors is substantially similar to the two (2) previous applications that were submitted and approved, legally this third (3rd) application must be treated as if this project had no previous history. In other words, it must go through the land development process. Two (2) opponents (adjacent property owners) have exercised their right under the Municipalities Planning Code to request that the Board of Supervisors conduct a formal hearing on the application.
The hearing began on February 17th and will continue on March 3rd at 9:00 AM. The Applicant first presents evidence in support of the Application. The opponents then present their evidence. After all the evidence is introduced the public will be permitted to make comments. It is currently anticipated that the Board of Supervisors will hear public comments at the next evening meeting (March 16th at 7:30 PM) before making a decision. However, that could change if the opponents do not conclude presenting evidence on March 3rd. Check back here for any updates.
***UPDATE: MARCH 4***
The Board spent spent more than five hours hearing testimony on Thursday, March 3. The hearing continues on March 16 at 1:00 PM. The opportunity for residents to be heard will be at the Board's 7:30 PM meeting that same night.
***UPDATE: MARCH 17***
The Board spent an additional four hours hearing testimony on Wednesday, March 16 between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM. Later that same evening the Board heard comments from a number of residents immediately following their regular meeting at 7:30 PM. An additional hearing date has been scheduled for Tuesday, March 29 beginning at 9:00 AM.
***UPDATE: MARCH 29***
The Board heard testimony on Tuesday, March 29 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. An additional hearing date has been scheduled for Thursday, April 14 beginning at 9:00 AM. The Board intends to render a decision on the preliminary plan application at its regular meeting on April 20, 2016 at 7:30 PM.